"Future female PNG Governor General is possible"

One of Papua New Guinea's most experienced public servants believes the appointment of a female Governor General in the near future is possible.

Winnie Kiap was the first woman to serve as secretary to the National Executive Council, a position she held for more than a decade, and she's now in London as PNG's High Commissioner to the UK.

Her name has been mentioned in local news reports about potential successors to the current Governor General Sir Michael Ogio when his term ends next month, after some opposition MPs said they would like to see a woman appointed to the role for the first time.

High Commissioner Kiap says a female Governor General would send a powerful message of change throughout PNG and the world, but the appointment should go to the best candidate regardless of their gender.